Control of French nuclear power plants operation in adverse conditions

Measures are discussed representing a systematic approach towards the human factor in controlling the operation of standardized 900 MW or 1,300 MW units in French nuclear power plants and significantly contributing to their safety. Attention is devoted to the organization of management, especially to the post of safety engineer, to technical specifications that are part of the safety report, and to stabilization procedures in solving abnormal situations, based on a physics-oriented approach. For the said events, the control room was completed with the so-called safety panel. A set of regulations is characterized for behaviour during abnormal and emergency situations, including a supra-design-basis accident defined using the experience from the Three Mile Island accident, own experience from operation and ergonometric criteria. (Z.M.). 2 figs., 2 tabs., 1 ref